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Saint Clement School Uniforms Worn Around the World
 As Saint Clement School students started the year with new uniforms, we were able to donate our gently used uniforms to our sister school in El Salvador -- a shipment that included enough to outfit the school's 150 children. Many thanks to the efforts of our school parents, teachers, and students who helped to sort, categorize, count, and weigh the 1,475 pieces of clothing weighing in at 660 pounds!
Recently we received pictures from our sister school in El Salvador of the children displaying the Saint Clement uniforms they received. The children now have uniforms to wear to school, creating an atmosphere conducive to learning and spreading the word of God. It is rewarding to know that there are fellow students, thousands of miles away, wearing Saint Clement uniforms with as much pride as our Saint Clement students do!
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Stories of Stewards
As part of our ongoing engagement process, we have come to realize the importance of parishioners sharing their personal stories of how they have connected with Saint Clement as an important factor in their lives. As a feature twice a month, we share the stories and reflections of our engaged parishioners who are living a stewardship life of prayer, service, and giving. This week we hear from the Patti family: Cynthia and Jim, and children Jane Grace, John, and Charlotte.
 "We have been members of Saint Clement Church for close to 20 years. Proximity brought us here initially and the wonderful clergy and lay leaders, community, full menu of programming, music and majesty of the space have kept us here through the years and despite a move north to Andersonville. We were married at Saint Clement in 1996 and baptized our children here in 1999, 2001, and 2004. We have the great gift of
attending Mass most weekends with a large contingent of Cynthia's immediate family. The bonds at Saint Clement are strong indeed!
Jim has served as sacristan for many years. Our two oldest now altar serve, and Jane is part of God Squad, the Saint Clement Youth Group. Cynthia has baked bread, made sack lunches for Catholic Charities, and now serves on the Pastoral Council. Our most treasured involvement with Saint Clement has been as leaders in the Pre Cana ministry. Over 14 years as facilitators, we have experienced the excitement and anticipation of many engaged couples and had the opportunity to help them reflect on the many skills needed to build an enduring, happy marriage. In all elements of service we have certainly given less than we have received.
Finally, as we consider our charitable contributions each year, our church support is non-negotiable. ParishPay makes it easy and with a few clicks each January we can take care of our giving for the year, even the holidays. The church is the steward of our family's spiritual life and is more than worthy of our financial commitment."
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Opportunities to Pray.Serve.Give.
For more information on upcoming events, including our regular, weekly opportunities, please view the parish's master calendar.
Sunday, January 6 @ All Masses: Mass Journals initiative launches, offering a starting point for daily conversation with God.
Sunday, January 6 @ 9:30 a.m.: Child Care Ministry begins again (School Gym); for children age 18 months up to 4 years. For details or to volunteer, please contact Maggie Hanley.
Sunday, January 6 @ 9:30 a.m.: Epiphany Family Mass (Chapel); a wonderful opportunity for families to worship together and celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord. "Chalking the Door" kits for home blessing will be distributed to children.
Sunday, January 6 @ 11:15 a.m.: Teaching Mass (Chapel); learn more about the Sunday Mass! Please note, because the 11:15 Church Mass may end earlier than this Mass, please be sure your car is not blocking any vehicles in the church lot.
Thursday, January 10 @ 2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.: Weekly Eucharistic Adoration begins again (Church). Rosary at 6pm; short prayer service (Benediction) at 7pm.
Sunday, January 13 @ 9:30 a.m.: First Eucharist Blessing at Mass (Church & Chapel)
Sunday, January 13 @ 10:30 a.m.: New Parishioner Reception (FC I)
Sunday, January 13 @ 12:15 p.m.: Organ Reflections following 11:15 a.m. Mass (Church); 10-15 minute organ recital offered as an opportunity for prayer and further reflection on the readings for the day.
Sunday, January 13 @ 8:00 p.m.: YAC Wine & Cheese Social (Chapel)
Monday, January 14 @ 1:15 p.m.: Afternoon Book Club (FC I); will discuss Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes. Contact Rick Jones.
Tuesday, January 15 @ 7:00 p.m.: Young Adult Community Book Discussion (FC I); will discuss Rediscovering Catholicism by Matthew Kelly. Contact Kimm Mering.
Thursday, January 17 @ 7:00 p.m.: When Business Meets Spirituality (Centennial Hall); professional development series. For details and to register, click here.
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Did You Know?
Saint Clement Launches New "Mass Journal" Initiative this Sunday
 Saint Clement is launching a new initiative to support our participation and reflection at Mass. We will be introducing the practice of a Sunday Mass Journal, and handing out small hardcover Mass Journals this Sunday, January 6.
The concept of the Sunday Mass Prayer Journal was proposed by Matthew Kelly in his book Rediscovering Catholicism. Kelly suggests asking God as you go to church on Sunday, "Lord, show me one way I can be a better person this week." During Mass be aware of what strikes you: the music, the homily, the assembly, someone you greeted or spoke to before or after Mass, or some other way you were touched internally by something at Mass.
 Before the end of Mass each week, you will be asked to write down one point that God revealed to you during the Mass. During the following week, use this single thought in your prayer journal as a starting point for daily conversation with God. After a period of time you may be able to look back over your reflections to better discern what God has been telling you.
We look forward to embarking on this practice together, and celebrating the fruits of our spiritual growth as individuals and as a community!
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Submit Your Ideas
We hope you have enjoyed this week's issue of The Plaza. If you know of a parishioner living their life as a steward or a topic that would interest other parishioners, please submit your idea here.
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And finally...
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| Photo credits: Top bar (left); and Did You Know image; John Zich, www.zrweddings.com. |
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